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And before she knew it, she was surging up onto her tiptoes, straining for more of that warmth, that connection, thatfeelingshe’d avoided for so long because she’d equated it with weakness, but now craved above all else. For good or ill, she wanted it.
And she would have it.
He met her need, tunnelling his fingers into her hair to cradle her skull, while his other hand braced beneath her body, easily supporting her as his wickedly sensual lips claimed her with unfettered passion.
She was moaning long before his tongue swept past her willing lips to tangle with hers. To stroke with such sensual mastery, she lost her train of thought.
‘Dios mio.You’re intoxicating,’ he stated hoarsely when they separated. His fingers drifted down her temple to her cheek, then he traced the outline of her mouth. ‘You glow with our child and your joy is enthralling to watch.’
‘I was terrified when I found out I was pregnant. It felt...daunting,’ she found herself confessing. She’d already bared so much of her secrets, pain and loss. Why not one more?
‘But not so much any more?’
She shook her head. ‘Not lately, no.’
‘Good. You can rest in the assurance that we will always do what is right by our child.’
Something shrivelled inside her at his words. Genie couldn’t quite pin it down, but a cool breeze swept over her, dampening her fervour.
It grew colder when, with one last feather-light touch, he stepped back. ‘I’ll let you finish your work. But from now on, I’ll escort you upstairs to lunch every day, and you’ll take more breaks to eat and relax.Entendido?’
A sliver of that warmth crept back. When was the last time someone cared enough about her like this?Never.‘If you insist.’
Dark eyes gleamed with immovable intent. ‘I do. Very much.’
And it was as he was leaving that it struck her that she could do something about this feeling. At the very least, she could ensure she wasn’t left with these yawning feelings of uncertainty whenever he went away.
Because surely as a wife she would have rights?
Besides the kidnapping their dealings so far had been above board. Deep inside she knew he was a man who held himself to a high standard.
Enough to abstain from sex indefinitely?
Have sex with me if that’s the roller coaster you want to jump on.
The thought sent shivers through her, which were doused when thoughts of the end impinged. Dear God. Was she really considering marrying him just so she could ensure he didn’t stray into another woman’s arms? When she’d explicitly stated that she had no intention of falling into his bed again? What did that make her?
Selfish. Self-centred. Self-absorbed. Human?
That last plaintive question echoed in her own voice, not Dr Douglas’s. And when it trailed away, she was no closer to satisfying herself that she was making a sound decision. Which unfortunately threatened her concentration for the rest of the day and in the days that followed.
Days when Seve arrived mid-morning, at lunch and mid-afternoon, as promised, to ensure she took breaks. To walk outside with her, where cool drinks appeared as if by magic at vantage points. And at one spot under a large Cardosian mesquite tree, a picnic had been laid out.
She was enjoying a glass of her now favourite drink—which she’d discovered was a combination of guava, mango and a dash of alcohol-free Cardosianhierbaspoured over tons of ice—when she felt his gaze on her.
‘The doctor is returning tomorrow. Are you still determined not to find out the sex of our child?’ His deep voice was laced with amusement.
Dressed in loose linen trousers and a white polo shirt and relaxing with his back against the tree, he was the picture of masculine health and vitality, made even more potent by the impressive bulge between his thighs accentuated by his crossed ankles.
Her face heated when she realised she’d been staring far longer than was polite. Clearing her throat, she attempted to get her brain to track. ‘There’s nothing to be gained from knowing. It won’t make the pregnancy go any faster. My only concern is that he or she is healthy.’
‘You know Lita will take it as a personal affront that your refusal is blocking her from making a list of suitable names, don’t you?’
The laughter that burst out of her surprised Genie. Seve too, if the fierce glint and fixed stare were indications. But then his grandmother had become a delightful fixture in her day. She shared at least one meal with the old lady and although she was close-lipped about her grandson’s past—because Genie had attempted to garner a few titbits after his reaction to his uncle’s name—they got on very well.
So much so that Genie had started to embrace the idea that not all family was all bad. That maybe there was something worth hanging onto regardless of what happened with her and Seve once the baby was born.
‘She’ll make the list regardless. Just as I’m sure she’s secretly designing nursery and christening gowns.’ Her statement held a question.
